The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has celebrated International Museum Day with a series of cultural events and interactive experiences hosted by the historic At-Turaif District, aimed at raising awareness of the national heritage and enriching the visitor experience at one of the most prominent historical sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The events are part of the authority's efforts to revive museums and heritage sites and turn them into vibrant cultural spaces that combine knowledge and interaction and let visitors explore Diriyah's history and civilizational legacy in modern and innovative ways.

Tours Narrating the History of the First Saudi State

The events included the program "Tours and Stories from the Palaces of Diriyah", which offered visitors a living historical narrative of the events and milestones witnessed by the palaces of At-Turaif, highlighting Diriyah's historical role in the founding of the First Saudi State and its national and cultural value.

The tours also let visitors discover the historical and archaeological landmarks within the district and explore the details of the social and political life the area witnessed across different historical periods.

Architectural Drawing and Artifact Care Workshops

The events featured the "Architectural Drawing" program, with specialized educational sessions on the principles of architectural drawing that focused on the beauty of Najdi architecture and its unique artistic details, under the supervision of specialists.

The Military Museum also hosted introductory workshops on museum best practices in preserving and caring for artifacts, along with the storage and display methods used according to modern professional standards in museum management.

Strong Turnout for the Cultural Events

The events drew notable attendance from all age groups and culture and heritage enthusiasts, in a scene that reflects the community's interest in national history and the Kingdom's cultural identity and confirms Diriyah's standing as a global cultural and tourism destination.

Through these programs the Diriyah Gate Development Authority seeks to strengthen the participation of the local community and visitors in global cultural occasions and highlight the rich historical legacy Diriyah holds as one of the Kingdom's most important historical centers.

At-Turaif, a Living Museum of the Past

The historic At-Turaif District is one of the Kingdom's most prominent heritage sites, spanning around 235,000 square meters and home to 13 historical palaces and five mosques, most notably the At-Turaif Grand Mosque, along with a number of historical facilities documenting the administrative and social life of the era.

The district is a unique model of traditional Najdi architecture, with mud-brick buildings and geometric motifs that reflect the authenticity and ancient history of the place, standing as a living witness to the history and civilizational journey of the First Saudi State.

At a Glance

  • Location: historic At-Turaif District, Diriyah
  • Occasion: International Museum Day 2026
  • Status: UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Area: 235,000 square meters
  • Landmarks: 13 historical palaces and 5 mosques
  • Highlights: historical tours, architectural drawing, museum workshops